Understanding your urinary symptoms and finding the right care

Pain, discomfort and changes in urinary habits can be easy to ignore, but they may be signs that something isn't right. During Urology Awareness Month, understanding common symptoms and knowing where to seek care can help patients get treatment sooner for urology-related needs and avoid complications.

"Urgent Care can support acute, temporary urologic issues and infections, including bladder infections, kidney stones (if there is no fever and pain is controlled), prostatitis, epididymitis and some sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomonas," says Felicia Walden, NP, Urgent Care.

Many urinary symptoms can be evaluated and treated in an urgent care setting, making it a convenient option for patients who need same-day care. However, some symptoms may signal a more serious condition that requires emergency treatment.

"It can be challenging when there are systemic symptoms, such as fever, associated with urinary symptoms," says Walden. "We do not do blood work, order advanced imaging or administer IV fluids in Urgent Care. If you have a fever with these symptoms, the emergency room is likely a more appropriate place. Additionally, if there is significant trauma associated with urinary symptoms, head to the ER."

Walden encourages patients to pay attention to changes that could indicate a urinary tract infection or other urologic concern.

"Symptoms to monitor for can include a strong, unpleasant odor, cloudy urine, burning or discomfort when urinating, needing to urinate more often than what you are drinking, sudden urgency or difficulty fully emptying your bladder," says Walden. "For older patients, symptoms can sometimes be much more subtle, including confusion or fatigue."

Certain symptoms should never be ignored and warrant immediate emergency care.

"If you are having high-grade fevers such as 103 degrees, severe abdominal pain, have not been able to urinate at all when you feel that you need to, or have severe one-sided back pain, these likely are not appropriate for urgent care. We cannot properly evaluate them, and you should be seen in the ER," says Walden.

While not every urologic issue can be prevented, healthy habits can go a long way in supporting urinary health.

"First, stay hydrated with appropriate fluids, like water," says Walden. "For most adults, strive for about 64 ounces daily. That may increase significantly during hot weather or periods of excessive sweating. Never ignore the need to use the bathroom, practice good hygiene, change out of wet bathing suits promptly and limit foods and drinks that can irritate the urinary tract, including sugar, caffeine, alcohol and highly processed foods."

Walden also advises caution with over-the-counter urinary pain relief medications.

"Products like Azo may improve symptoms, but they can mask infection and make urine testing inaccurate," says Walden. "My recommendation is not to use Azo unless directed by a healthcare provider."

For patients who visit an urgent care location, evaluation often starts with a simple urine test.

"For straightforward urinary concerns, your provider will likely ask for a urine sample and may order a urine culture or STI screening," says Walden. "If a bacterial infection is suspected, treatment can often begin right away. Sometimes, though, medical guidance and referrals are needed, and we may not have a complete answer at the time of the visit."

By knowing the warning signs, staying proactive about urinary health and choosing the right care setting, patients can get the care they need when they need it most.

Learn more about IU Health Urgent Care and healthcare offerings.